TUESDAY,
SEPT 15:
Got
a fairly early start from Moab. Stopped at Grand Junction for a late
breakfast/early lunch, but primarily to use their WiFi since the one
at the last campground was almost useless. Amazing – and a a
little embarrassing – how dependent you become on it. So we spent
a couple of hours there.
It
had rained nearly all night long last night, and still rained off and
on all morning and into the afternoon. I think they finally had rain
throughout a lot of California today as well, breaking the drought .
. . they must feel very grateful. I know they're hoping for much
more.
Called
ahead to a KOA campground in Central City, off of I-70 west of Denver
to reserve a spot for tonight. We didn't know how many mountain
passes we'd need to negotiate this afternoon and how they'd slow us
down, so we felt better knowing that we had a definite place to stay
before we had to get through Denver.
Made
good time until shortly after we stopped for gas at Eagle. That's
when the Rockies began in earnest. What absolutely gorgeous scenery!
The aspens are turning at this elevation, and were lavishly
sprinkled throughout the mountainsides. Made for a spectacular
drive.
But
along with the magnificent scenery of course came challenging
mountain driving. The first challenging pass was just past Vail, at
over 10,600 feet. The next one was just before the Eisenhower
tunnel, at over 11,100 feet. That's the one where we had to pull
over – when we saw and smelled smoke from the engine. An angel in
the form of a truck driver saw what was happening and stopped 100
yards or so ahead of us. Bill saw him walking toward us; Bill
approached him. He was carying a container of engine coolant, said,
“I saw your engine smoking, thought you might need this.”
Wouldn't take any $$. Bill had used the last of our own coolant on
the road to Moab, and hadn't thought to replace it. Another few
minutes, and we were on our way again, me drinking in the wonderful
scenery, Bill concentrating on all the gauges
Our
last challenge was when we took the turnoff to Central City. That
was 8 miles of windy, curvy road with lots of uphill grades. Just
when we thought we'd reach a crest after this next curve, there'd
loom more uphill ahead of us! It became almost comical.
Thankfully, they weren't too long nor too steep. And then the last
1.5 miles into the campground – Wow! Another mini adventure! The
directions weren't totally clear, so just as we were turning into
town, we noticed a police car turning behind us. Bill jumped out and
asked if they knew where the KOA was. They said, “Follow us; we'll
take you there.” First time we've ever had a police escort! And a
good thing - it made us feel comfortable knowing that if the truck
sputtered going up, up, up one narrow hill (some gravel) after
another, there'd be someone to help! We just couldn't believe the
location of this campground and the torturous road to get there.
More suited for a sports car than a truck pulling a 36-ft 5th
wheel!
But
once we arrived, it was totally worth it. On a bluff, at 9,000 feet,
overlooking the town and the valley.
There we are, right next to the WiFi antenna by the KOA sign!
Very
helpful staff – guided us to our site and helped us back in.
Exceptionally clean and attractive amenities, especially the tiled
showers. And terrific WiFi – one of the best we've ever had!
It
would be nice to stay here for more than overnight. The town looked
absolutely charming – an old west feel, but clean and inviting.
But time and our checkbook say that it's time to get home. But next
time we're travelling in Colorado, it would be worth it to make a
special effort to come here and relax for a few days. So one more night (after tonight) til home. Lord willing.
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